36th Year
UP
Front
a preface from the publisher...
Publisher Peter Jackson Associate Publisher Scott Holland
ART Art Director Frank Mendez DIGITAL PUBLISHING Digital Manager Troy Maillis ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Alyson Thomas ADVERTISING Advertising Account Executive Anthony Verrico EDITORIAL Editor-at-large Jameer Baptiste CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amanda Austin | Chris Azzopardi Tom Bonanti | Katina Caraganis Mike Jeknavorian | Andreus Quinones STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER J.R. Davis
Published alternate Thursdays (26 issues/year) by
CEO | Jeff Sterling President | Peter Jackson VP Operations | Scott Holland VP Development | Fr. Jamie Forsythe 2435 N Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, Florida 33305 Telephone (754)200-2979 Copyright 2021, WMEG Community Marketing and Events. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without written permission by the Publisher is prohibited. Publication of the name or photograph or any person, living or dead, is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organizations. WMEG Community Marketing and Events is a 501 (c)(3) nonprot dedicated to promoting South Florida, and especially Wilton Manors, as a welcoming LGBTQ+ destination through marketing and events. WMEG produces close to 50 events a year, including the annual Stonewall Pride Parade and Festival in Wilton Manors. Monthly events include Art Walk on Wilton Drive and Vibes On The Drive. Visit WMEG.org for more information. MEMBER, Wilton Manors Business Association
O
Boys and their Pets
ne day in June 2007 I walked into a pet store to buy sh for my aquarium and left with a puppy. He was a 10-week-old apricotcolored Cockapoo and he had just been separated from his sister, a jet-black beauty, who’d been sold. Jackson I picked him up only to console him — but in that moment something magical happened and my life as a dog dad began. It’s what the French poet Anatole France meant when he wrote, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” National Pet Day is Saturday, April 11, so we are dedicating this edition to dog dads and pet owners who understand the joy that pets bring into our lives. We are also urging everyone to volunteer, donate to a shelter or, even better, adopt a pet of your own. More than joy, pets provide companionship which, researchers have discovered, is especially important to the health of aging members of the LGBTQ+ community who are more likely to live alone than the general population. Read the story inside, written by our new contributing writer Katina Caraganis. You’ll also enjoy a feature made possible by our readers who sent in seles with their pets. And speaking of precious... on the cover of this edition we feature superdog Toby with his dads, Bodytek tness gurus Mike Verdugo and Trey Opp. Enjoy! Peter Jackson, Publisher
P.S. Like us on Facebook and share photos of your special pets!
ON THE COVER Trey Opp (left), Mike Verdugo and their superdog, Toby.
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HOT List the
best bets and other stuff to enjoy
1
GLAAD Media Awards premieres on April 8 Tune in on Thursday, April 8 for the live premiere on YouTube, before it streams on Hulu. The host this year is Niecy Nash with special appearances by Ian Alexander, Molly Bernard, Matt Bomer, Jonathan Bennett, Bob The Drag Queen, Sterling K. Brown, Laverne Cox, Wilson Cruz, Mackenzie Davis, Robin de Jesús, Blu del Barrio and many more. For more information, visit glaad.org/mediaawards. Bob The Drag Queen
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Comedian Craig Robinson performs at Palm Beach Improv Catch funny man Craig Robinson performing at the Palm Beach Improv from April 9-11. Robinson rst made his mark in the comedy circuit at the 1998 Montreal “Just For Laughs” Festival. Now headlining venues and festivals across the country, he does both solo acts as well as full-band sets with his band “The Nasty Delicious.” Craig is the current host of the Masked Dancer on FOX. General Admission is $35 at palmbeachimprov.com.
Craig Robinson
Long Island Medium is live at Broward Center The Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents Theresa Caputo live at their Backlot live stage on Friday, April 9 at 7:30.p.m. and Saturday, April 10 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. In this exclusive event, the star of the hit TLC show Long Island Medium, brings peace and comfort as she shares her gift of communicating with spirit and delivers healing messages from loved ones who have passed on to the Other Side. Tickets start at $95 at Browardcenter.org.
Theresa Caputo
Sharon Stone chats virtually about new book with Gloria Estefan Books & Books presents a virtual evening with Sharon Stone in conversation with Gloria Estefan discussing her new book “The Beauty of Living Twice” on Thursday, April 1 at 8 p.m. This is presented in partnership with the National JCC Literary Consortium and Adrienne Arsht Center. Tickets are $36 at Booksandbooks.com and include a copy of the book and shipping.
Sharon Stone
The Diceman and Ticked Off Vic on stage together What is better than seeing The Diceman or 'Ticked Off' Vic? Seeing them both together. For one night only, these incredible comedic icons share the same stage at The Boca Black Box on Saturday, April 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. They will be doing what they do best: rant about society, sexually titilate you, swear, complain, and make fun of all the stupid, crazy things that connect us as humans. General Admission is $100 with VIP $125 at Bocablackbox.com.
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Ticked Off Vic and The Diceman
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"
Piano (
NAMES and
Faces
By Mike Jeknavorian
Ruben Gonzalez
4 Entertaining South Florida audiences gives him ‘joy and purpose’
H
e’s been a fixture on South Florida’s entertainment scene for two decades, making him arguably the second longest-running gay pianist in South Florida. But despite his popularity in the LGBTQ+ community, most people don’t know the pop band that RUBEN GONZALEZ was in, or why he moved to South Florida in the first place.
What’s your claim-to-fame? Based on what I know, after Terry Hammond, I believe that I’m the second longest-running gay pianist in South Florida. I’m known for my skills on the ivories. Once you do it long enough, you become an all-arounder — I can sing, play and entertain. I was also in the pop group Boys Town Gang for a while in the 1980s. Someone dropped out of the group, and I just filled in. How did you learn to play to play the piano? I play by ear! My family couldn’t afford lessons, but I was completely drawn to the keyboard at an early age... you grew up in the church and didn’t listen to secular music until you were in your late teens. Where did you grow up? I was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, but I grew up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. What do you miss about it there? I miss the 70s there, when disco was the music, and both straight and gay mixed together as one family. How long have you lived in South Florida? I’ve lived here for 20 years now — how time flies! Why did you move here? I came here to work with Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s company, but unfortunately everything fell through when I arrived. What do you like most about living here? I love how massive our community is. There’s something for everyone here, of all age groups. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? I kind-of miss Rumors [on Wilton Drive], where both men and woman mixed together.
It reminded me of where I grew up. If you had to live somewhere else other than here, where would you live? Maybe Palm Springs. It seems to have a thriving community. Who’s your favorite gospel performer? Church music was incredibly exciting to me. There are so many incredible compositions that it’s hard to pick a favorite. Who’s your favorite secular musician? I grew up in a very strict religious background, and we were not allowed to listen to secular music. They said it was the music of the devil. When I was 20 years old, I couldn’t get any work, because all I knew was gospel music. I was in big trouble. The very first secular group that I got turned onto were The Carpenters. They had amazing harmonies, well-constructed arrangements, and they had Karen’s rich, clear alto voice. They were geniuses. Now there are so many great artists between Broadway and pop that it’s hard to choose. What do you think of the current music scene? I hope the business gets back to great songwriting again, like we had in the past. What’s your dream gig? I can see myself playing for a famous big band artist. Who’s your biggest fan? Probably my sister. She stood by me through my ups and downs. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Pushing a mop and broom in a hospital (laughs). What would your drag name be? RuDollie. What have you been doing to keep yourself busy during the quarantine? I’ve been laying low. I’m wearing the mask and following the science. Will you ever retire? I’m probably semi-retired. But if I completely retire, I would miss playing music for people. It gives me great joy and purpose. What’s the best place that you ever visited? The best place that I ever got to see was Italy. It was glorious. What do you think that you’ll be remembered for? I believe that I’ll be remembered for my good-hearted nature. What do you want to live long enough to see? I’d like to live long enough to see my first song get recorded by a major artist! Editor’s Note Hotspots welcomes columnist Mike Jeknavorian who will be interviewing interesting members of South Florida’s LGBTQ+ community. Mike has written for such recognized magazines as Sarasota Magazine and Tampa Bay Scene. You can read more of his work at mikejeknavorian.com.
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HOT Talk lgbtq+ chatter on social media
Diversity is to be celebrated “Every time I see someone on the Drive who doesn’t look like me, or dress like me or speak like me… my heart warms. I love the City of Wilton Manors.” —CHRIS CAPUTO, Wilton Manors City Commissioner, on Facebook
That was then, this is now
“A lot of people say, ‘Oh, you came out.’ And I said, ‘Well, from out of where? I wasn’t anywhere to come out of. I wasn’t living a sexually repressed life when I was married to men. I just loved them when I loved them. And now I love her, yeah.” —NIECY NASH, Emmy award-winning actor best known for roles like Reno 911!, Selma, and Claws, talking to Ellen DeGeneres about her marriage to Jessica Betts last year after two previous marriages to men.
Never let anyone tell you...
“…I’m not here to tell gay Catholics that you can get married elsewhere… you’ll have to and you know it. I’m here to tell you that you are part of a divine design that is marvelously diverse and your love is part of the love that we call “God.” Weddings? You have options. But never let anyone tell you that you are awed for being a same-gender loving person or that your loving, committed relationship is ‘sin”‘ Love is love.” —Rev. Dr. DURRELL WATKINS, senior minister of Sunshine Cathedral MCC, Fort Lauderdale, on Facebook.
Some more equal than others?
“I would talk until I fell over to make that the Equality Act doesn’t become law destroying the difference between men and women.” —Sen. LINDSAY GRAHAM (R-SC), speaking deantly about the Equality Act, which would expand federal civil rights to include LGBTQ+ people. (Not incidentally, Graham has been rumored to be a closet homosexual for years.)
Duh! That’s the point
“The mere fact in 2021 that there is any disagreement on whether gays should be included in a hate crime bill is indicative of why we need the bill.” —Rep. JUSTIN BAMBERG (D-SC), speaking on the need for passage of the Equality Act so that all Americans have the same federal civil rights and protections.
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HOTEats where to eat out
in south florida
Rosie’s Bar and Grill 2449 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors (954) 563-0123 www.rosiesbng.com A tropical oasis in the heart of Wilton Manors, Rosie’s Bar and Brill serves up its award-winning burgers, big salads, fresh fish and drink specials daily. You can dine outside on the breezy Key West style patio or indoors. Sunday brunch is a ritual, complete with bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Tulio’s Taco and Tequila Bar 2150 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors (954) 530-5523 www.tuliostacos.com A vibrant, new hotspot in the heart of Wilton Manors, Tulio’s Tacos is a place where friends can come together. Tulio’s provides a unique Mexican-style menu and has become a new hit for its good food, great ambiance and fast service. You can enjoy brunch Saturday and Sundays — and we’ll see you there on Margarita Mondays. J.Mark’s Restaurant 1245 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale (954) 390-0770 www.jmarksrestaurant.com Known for its generous portions and welcoming atmosphere, J.Mark’s offers a full menu offering seafood, steaks, burgers, sliders, chicken and salads. Boasting two locations in South Florida (the other is in Pompano), brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday from 11 to 3 p.m. Thai Spice 1514 E Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale (954) 771-4535 www.thaispicefla.com This hidden gem dishes up authentic Thai classics and specials by owner/chef Michael Tatton on an expansive menu that includes Pan-Asian fare and steaks. They have live music Thursday through Saturday and Happy Hour food and drink specials Monday through Friday 5 to 7 p.m. Palace Bar & Restaurant 1052 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach (305) 531-7234 www.palacesouthbeach.com For more than three decades, the Palace has been the hottest drag bar and restaurant in Miami Beach. Centrally located on Ocean Boulevard, one can experience craft cocktails, tantalizing bites and daily live entertainment. (Check night hours due to
Spring Break curfew restrictions.)
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Edited by Katina Caraganis
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L
By Katina Caraganis
ocated just off of NE 13th Avenue in Wilton Manors is a hidden enclave — a cluster of businesses including three restaurants — that exhibit such a laid-back, bohemian and eclectic demeanor you’d think you were in New Orleans or Key West. Many locals refer to the area as Eucalyptus Gardens, which memorializes the eucalyptus trees remaining from a plant nursery that once called the property home. Its current name, the Yard, pays tribute to the adjacent former lumber yard that is now part of the complex.
4 THE ALCHEMIST Nestled among the trees, plants, artwork and mismatched furnishings, you’ll stumble upon The Alchemist, which is known for its iced coffee, served in mason jars, and teas. The Alchemist uses a proprietary process of releasing the avor of its carefully chosen coffee beans into the purest of water. They also serve low carb, open-faced sandwiches, they call “awesomewiches” which are served on Tuscan ciabatta bread or on gluten-free bread or a bagel. These range from Caprese to Smoked Salmon, Eggplant to Pulled Pork and more. The Alchemist’s menu also includes salads, pastas and pizzettas. Brunch is served all day. 4VOO LA VOO CAFÉ Right next door is Voo La Voo Café, which serves an array of French-inspired cuisine that includes a rotating menu of omelets, crepes and paninis. The café is owned by French native Silvie Le Nouail, whose journey has taken her to the Caribbean and Key West before setting her sites on the Yard in Wilton Manors. On the menu, you’ll nd their “Most Popular Savory Crepes” such as Bacon with Gorgonzola, Apple, Honey and Walnut or Chicken, Swiss Mushroom and Spinach Bechamel.
4LA MEXICANA TAPAS AND TAQUERIA La Mexicana Tapas and Taqueria offers traditional Mexican dishes with a twist. Diva Name, a native of Columbia, opened La Mexicana ve years ago after she happened upon the property and fell in love with it. La Mexicana has two outdoor seating areas as well as an indoor dining room. Each section has a mixture of tables and couches, an aesthetic Name did on purpose. With most of the décor found in thrift shops or made herself out of recycled materials, Name wanted to have different areas where customers can pull up a chair with their laptop and do work or lounge on a nearby couch. La Mexicana offers daily menu specials and a Happy Hour from 4-7 p.m. The Friday special is 50% off selected fajitas and 20% off classic Jumbo Margaritas. “I’m a big believer in energy. If you put it out there, people can see that,” she said. “Sometimes it’s important for us to slow down. I want people to appreciate we’re busy and we’re working hard but it’s also important to slow down and relax.” On any given day, customers may be treated to an outdoor yoga class, a farmers’ market, pop-up artists or even a palm reader. There’s a number of murals spread out around the grounds as well as vintage airstream trailers just waiting for someone to receive them. 4LOLA’S MARKET Situated on the back of the property is Lola’s Market, something like a warehouseturned-ea market. There are a handful of specialty and working artists. Described as a “little corner of paradise,” Lola’s Market has a lot of everything and you can experience local craftsmen, artists and chefs. Parking can be difcult on the property, especially during peak hours. There’s a handful of parking spots out front and a larger parking lot in the former lumber yard. HotspotsMagazine.com | 81
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